ALBERTA
Confederation:
September 1, 1905
ABOUT:
Alberta, one of Canada's western provinces, has a rich and layered history that stretches back over 10,000 years. Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, and Dene, were the first inhabitants, thriving in the region's diverse landscapes long before European contact. The arrival of fur traders in the 18th century—most notably through the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company—marked the beginning of Alberta’s recorded history.
In 1870, the region became part of the Dominion of Canada, and the establishment of the North-West Mounted Police helped bring order to the frontier. Alberta officially became a province in 1905. The early 20th century saw waves of settlers from Eastern Canada, the U.S., and Europe, drawn by promises of fertile farmland and opportunity. Wheat farming and cattle ranching became economic staples.
Fast forward to today, Alberta is known for its dynamic economy, driven by vast natural resources—especially oil and gas. The province is home to the Athabasca oil sands, one of the largest petroleum reserves in the world. While energy remains a cornerstone, Alberta has diversified into technology, agriculture, and tourism, with the majestic Rocky Mountains drawing millions each year.
Urbanization has transformed Alberta: over 80% of its population now lives in cities, with Calgary and Edmonton serving as major cultural and economic hubs. Politically, Alberta has often leaned conservative, but its political landscape continues to evolve with demographic and economic shifts.
SOURCE:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Alberta
https://www.britannica.com/place/Alberta-province/History
current premier & Federal affiliation:
Danielle Smith, United Conservative Party (UCP)
population (Q2 2025) & Provincial capital city
- 4,980,659
- EDMONTON
ORIGIN OF NAME:
Alberta was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848–1939),[24] the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
FIRST NATIONS
There are 46 First Nations in Alberta. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
british columbia
confederation:
July 20, 1871 (7th)
about:
British Columbia (BC), Canada's westernmost province, boasts a rich tapestry of history and a vibrant present shaped by its geography, Indigenous heritage, and global connections.
Historical Overview
Human presence in BC dates back over 13,000 years, with Indigenous peoples such as the Haida, Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and many others developing complex societies deeply connected to the land and sea. European exploration began in the late 18th century, with figures like Captain James Cook and George Vancouver charting the coast. The fur trade, led by the Hudson’s Bay Company, played a major role in early colonial development.
The colony of Vancouver Island was established in 1849, followed by the mainland colony of British Columbia in 1858 during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. These two colonies merged in 1866 and joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871.
Modern British Columbia
Today, BC is known for its stunning natural beauty—from the rugged Pacific coastline to the towering Rockies—and its diverse, multicultural population. Vancouver, the largest city, is a global hub for trade, film, and technology, while Victoria, the capital, retains a charming colonial character.
BC’s economy is driven by a mix of industries: forestry, mining, tourism, film production, and increasingly, clean technology and digital innovation. The province is also a leader in environmental policy and climate action.
Urbanization is high, with nearly 90% of the population living in cities, primarily in the southwest region around Vancouver and Victoria. The province continues to grapple with issues such as housing affordability, Indigenous reconciliation, and climate resilience.
SOURCE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_Columbia
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-columbia
CURRENT PREMIER & FEDERAL AFFILIATION:
David Eby, New Democratic Party (NDP)
POPULATION (Q2 2025) & PROVINCIAL CAPITAL CITY
- 5,719,961
- Victoria
ORIGIN OF NAME:
The name of the province was chosen by Queen Victoria, when the Colony of British Columbia (1858–1866), i.e., "the Mainland", became a British colony in 1858.
Source:
Martin, Ged (1978). "The Naming of British Columbia". Albion: A Quarterly Journal Concerned with British Studies.
FIRST NATIONS:
There are 203 First Nations in British Columbia. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
First Nations in British Columbia | The Canadian Encyclopedia
manitoba
confederation:
July 15, 1870 (5th)
about:
Manitoba, located in the heart of Canada, is a province shaped by deep Indigenous roots, waves of migration, and a landscape of lakes, forests, and prairies.
Historical Overview
The region has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, with the Cree, Anishinaabe (Ojibwa), Dakota, Dene, and Métis peoples forming rich and diverse cultures across the land. European contact began in the 17th century, primarily through the fur trade. The Hudson’s Bay Company, granted a monopoly over Rupert’s Land in 1670, established trading posts that became early economic and cultural hubs.
In 1811, the Red River Colony was founded by Lord Selkirk, and in 1817, the Peguis-Selkirk Treaty marked one of the earliest land agreements between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Manitoba officially joined Canadian Confederation in 1870 following the Red River Rebellion, led by Métis leader Louis Riel. This made it the fifth province of Canada and the first carved from the North-West Territories.
Modern Manitoba
Today, Manitoba is a province of contrasts—urban and rural, prairie and forest, tradition and innovation. Winnipeg, the capital and largest city, is a cultural and economic center known for its arts scene, historic Exchange District, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The province’s economy is diverse: agriculture remains vital, especially in the south, while hydroelectric power, mining, manufacturing, and services contribute significantly. Manitoba is also a leader in clean energy, with hydroelectricity supplying the majority of its power.
Manitoba’s population is just over 1.3 million, with a strong multicultural identity and one of the highest proportions of Indigenous residents among Canadian provinces. The province continues to focus on reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.
SOURCE:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/manitoba
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Manitoba
CURRENT PREMIER & FEDERAL AFFILIATION:
Wab Ninew, New Democratic Party (NDP)
POPULATION (Q2 2025) & PROVINCIAL CAPITAL CITY:
- 1,507,330
- Winnipeg
ORIGIN OF NAME:
The name Manitoba has Indigenous roots and carries a sense of legend and natural wonder. It likely comes from either the Cree word manitou-wapow or the Ojibwe word manidoobaa, both of which mean “straits of Manitou, the Great Spirit.” These names refer to the eerie sounds of waves crashing against the rocks at the Narrows of Lake Manitoba, which were believed to be the voice of the spirit Manitou.
Another possible origin is the Assiniboine word minnetoba, meaning “Lake of the Prairie.” French explorers once called it Lac des Prairies.
The name was popularized in the 19th century by Thomas Spence, who used it to refer to the lake and surrounding region. Although there were other contenders—like “Assiniboia” and “North-West”—the name “Manitoba” was ultimately chosen when the province joined Confederation in 1870, partly because of its poetic sound and deep connection to the land’s original peoples.
SOURCE:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/chc//ourdept/origin_name_manitoba.html
FIRST NATIONS:
There are 63 First Nations in Manitoba. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
First Nations in Manitoba | The Canadian Encyclopedia
NEW BRUNSWICK
CONFEDERATION:
July 1, 1867
ABOUT:
New Brunswick, nestled on Canada’s east coast, is a province steeped in history and cultural diversity, with a present shaped by its bilingual identity and natural beauty.
Historical Overview
The region has been home to Indigenous peoples for over 13,000 years, including the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet (Wəlastəkwiyik), and Passamaquoddy nations. French explorers arrived in the 16th century, and by the 17th century, New Brunswick was part of the French colony of Acadia. After the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, France ceded parts of Acadia to Britain, leading to the deportation of many Acadians during the mid-1700s.
In 1784, New Brunswick was carved out of Nova Scotia to accommodate Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. It became one of the four founding provinces of Canada in 1867. The province’s name honors the British monarch George III, who was also Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg in Germany.
Modern New Brunswick
Today, New Brunswick is **Canada’s only officially bilingual province**, with English and French holding equal status under the 1969 Official Languages Act. The population is around 830,000, with about one-third identifying as Francophone, primarily of Acadian descent.
The province’s economy is diverse, including forestry, mining, manufacturing, and a growing tech sector. Tourism also plays a key role, thanks to attractions like the Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides, and the charming cities of Fredericton (the capital), Moncton, and Saint John.
New Brunswick continues to focus on Indigenous reconciliation, economic development, and preserving its rich cultural heritage. It’s a place where coastal beauty meets deep-rooted history—and where two languages and cultures thrive side by side.
SOURCE:
CURRENT PREMIER & FEDERAL AFFILIATION:
Susan Holt, Liberal Party of Canada
POPULATION (Q2 2025) & PROVINCIAL CAPITAL CITY:
- 859,839
- Fredericton
ORIGIN OF NAME:
New Brunswick was named in 1784 to honor King George III, who was also the Duke of Brunswick, a region in what is now Germany. The name reflects the province’s colonial ties to the British monarchy at the time it was established as a separate entity from Nova Scotia.
Source:
FIRST NATIONS:
There are 15 First Nations in New Brunswick. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
First Nations in New Brunswick | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Newfoundland & Labrador
confederation:
March 31, 1949
about:
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, is a land of rugged coastlines, deep-rooted cultures, and a history that stretches back millennia.
Historical Overview
The province has been inhabited for over 9,000 years, beginning with the Maritime Archaic peoples, followed by the Dorset and Thule cultures, and later the Innu, Inuit, and Beothuk peoples. Around the year 1000, Norse explorers led by Leif Erikson established a short-lived settlement at *L’Anse aux Meadows*, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only confirmed Viking site in North America.
European fishing expeditions began in the late 15th century, with permanent settlements appearing by the 1600s. Newfoundland became a British colony, and in 1907, it gained dominion status. However, economic hardship during the Great Depression led to the suspension of self-government in 1934. After a contentious referendum, Newfoundland joined Canadian Confederation in 1949. The province’s name was officially changed to *Newfoundland and Labrador* in 2001 to reflect the importance of its mainland territory.
Modern Newfoundland and Labrador
Today, the province is home to about 510,000 people, with the majority living on the island of Newfoundland. St. John’s, the capital, is one of North America’s oldest cities and a vibrant cultural hub. The economy has historically relied on the fishery, but the collapse of the cod industry in the 1990s was a major blow. Since then, offshore oil production has become a key economic driver, alongside tourism, mining, and renewable energy initiatives.
The province is known for its strong sense of identity, shaped by English, Irish, French, and Indigenous influences. Its dramatic landscapes, from fjords and cliffs to boreal forests and iceberg-strewn waters, make it a magnet for adventurers and artists alike.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Newfoundland_and_Labrador
https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/about-this-place/history-and-heritage
https://www.britannica.com/place/Newfoundland-and-Labrador
https://bing.com/search?q=Newfoundland+Labrador+Canada+history+and+current+information
CURRENT PREMIER & FEDERAL AFFILIATION:
Andrew Furey, Liberal Party of Canada
POPULATION (Q2 2025) & PROVINCIAL CAPITAL CITY:
- 545,464
- St. John's
ORIGIN OF NAME:
The name Newfoundland and Labrador reflects both English and Portuguese influences, tied to early European exploration of the region.
Newfoundland likely comes from a phrase used by King Henry VII of England, who referred to the land discovered by John Cabot in 1497 as the “New Found Launde”—essentially, “newly found land”.
Labrador, on the other hand, is believed to derive from João Fernandes, a Portuguese explorer and landowner (or llavrador in Portuguese). His title evolved into the name for the vast northern region, originally applied to parts of Greenland and later to the mainland area we now know as Labrador.
The province was officially renamed Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001, recognizing both regions in its constitutional title.
Source:
first nations:
There are four First Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
First Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador | The Canadian Encyclopedia
nova scotia
CONFEDERATION:
July 1, 1867
about:
Nova Scotia, perched on Canada’s Atlantic coast, is a province where maritime heritage, cultural resilience, and natural beauty converge.
Historical Overview:
For over 13,000 years, the Mi’kmaq people have lived in what is now Nova Scotia, calling it *Mi’kma’ki*. Their deep connection to the land and sea continues to shape the province’s identity. European contact began in the early 1600s when the French established Port Royal in 1605, making it one of the first permanent European settlements in North America north of Florida.
The region became a battleground between French and British colonial powers, with the British ultimately gaining control in 1710. The 18th century saw the tragic expulsion of the Acadians, French-speaking settlers, during the Great Upheaval. Nova Scotia was one of the four founding provinces of Canada in 1867.
Modern Nova Scotia:
Today, Nova Scotia is home to just over 1 million people and is known for its vibrant coastal communities, strong Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultures, and a growing economy. Halifax, the capital, is a bustling port city and a hub for education, defense, and the arts.
The province’s economy has diversified beyond its traditional industries of fishing, shipbuilding, and forestry. It now includes sectors like ocean tech, renewable energy, and film production. A bold new initiative aims to develop offshore wind farms capable of generating up to 40 gigawatts of electricity—potentially transforming Nova Scotia into a green energy powerhouse.
Nova Scotia is also a leader in historical preservation and workers’ rights. The 1925 death of coal miner William Davis during a strike became a turning point in Canadian labor history and is still commemorated annually.
Source:
CURRENT PREMIER & FEDERAL AFFILIATION:
Tim Houston, Progressive Conservative Party of Canada
POPULATION (Q2 2025) & PROVINCIAL CAPITAL CITY:
- 1,080,418
- Halifax
ORIGIN OF NAME:
The name Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland.” It was chosen in 1621 by Sir William Alexander, a Scottish nobleman and poet, after he was granted the territory by King James VI of Scotland (who was also James I of England).
The name reflects the province’s deep historical and cultural ties to Scotland. In fact, settlers were sent from Scotland to establish a presence in the region, and to this day, Nova Scotia maintains strong Scottish influences in its traditions, music, and even landscape.
So while most Canadian provinces have names rooted in Indigenous languages or French and English colonial history, Nova Scotia stands out with its elegant Latin name and proud Celtic heritage.
Source:
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/canada/articles/how-did-nova-scotia-get-its-name
FIRST NATIONS:
There are 13 First Nations in Nova Scotia. First Nation is one of three groupings of Indigenous people in Canada, the other two being Métis and Inuit.
Please visit the link below for more information:
First Nations in Nova Scotia | The Canadian Encyclopedia